Student of the Month

- Rashad Badr -

Rashad Badr

Give us a little background of your life outside of PAMA.

I'm a first year Master's in Public Affairs candidate at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton. My academic interests revolve around security studies in the Middle East, crisis diplomacy, and causes of war. For the next two years, I'll be working with the government on counterterrorism issues and special operations. In my spare time, I enjoy all forms of exercise, reading up on current events, and watching different types of movies.

How has training at PAMA helped you in your studies?

PAMA has helped instill greater discipline in my daily routine, especially my academic pursuits. I've always believed that you cannot have a sharp mind unless you have a healthy body - and PAMA helps with both!

How did you get your interest in martial arts? How did you hear about PAMA?

My interest in martial arts started a long time ago - I was drawn by the discipline of various martial arts as well as their physical demand. More recently, I wanted to pick up a new sport after leaving swimming and I figured what better time than now? I did a quick Google search and PAMA came up as the top hit. After a phone call and a visit, I've been a very happy and grateful student of PAMA.

What do you most enjoy about your training? And which arts?

I enjoy the holistic nature of martial arts training, especially the holism found in Jun Fan. Training is not only physical, but it is also spiritual and emotional. It is not enough to be physically strong and fast; rather, you have to train yourself on a deeper level as well if you are going to get serious benefit out of training. I also like the social element to training: in my short time at PAMA, I've been amazed at the instruction from both the PAMA staff and fellow students. If it wasn't for the patience of my instructors and my more experienced students, I certainly would not have improved the way that I have.

What are some of the key things that Martial Arts has taught you?

Training at PAMA has reaffirmed my belief hard work pays off. My father used to tell me that nothing in this life comes easily; if you want anything, you have to work very hard for it. Training under Sifu Rick's guidance has reinforced this lesson. Martial Arts, like other life endeavors, requires focus, effort, and commitment. The commitment that I put into training definitely carries over into other parts of my life, and for that I am very grateful.

What are your goals you hope to achieve through martial arts?

I hope to pick up a lifestyle that will stay with me my entire life. More specifically, I hope to stay healthy, both physically and spiritually; I hope to build a new skill set involving various martial arts; and furthermore, I hope to help future students much in the same way that my instructors and fellow students have helped me.

Anything else additional you would like to add?

I would just like to thank Sifu Rick, all the instructors, and my fellow students for their help, support, and patience!

Events

PAMA’s Celebrates its 24th Anniversary

by Matt Foster

On Saturday, March 12, 2011 PAMA, celebrated its 24th Anniversary by holding an Open House event for the local community. Friends and families of PAMA students as well as the general public were invited in to see the school and meet the instructors and staff. They were also treated to multiple demonstrations by the children, teens and adults. The demonstrations included Sil Lim Dao, Jun Fan kickboxing, trapping and sensitivity drills and of course, Kali single stick and double stick drills and flow drills.

Thanks everyone for the huge turnout for our 24th Anniversary!

The guests not only observed, but also participated. Sifu Rick showed them a few different knife disarms which they were allowed to try out with the help of the assistant instructors. The festivities continued throughout the day with cake and refreshments and many drawings for prizes that even included a copy of one of Sifu Rick’s DVDs. It was a full day of martial arts and socializing and it was a great way for PAMA students to show people why this school and their martial arts training is such a big part of their lives.

Benefiting from our Member Referral Program is very easy. Simply invite your friend or family member to share your experience and participate in a trial class. Have them call the Pro-Shop at 609-452-2208 to schedule their personal appointment with an instructor for the class of their choice. During the call and their scheduled visit they must simply mention your name as a reference. If they enroll as a student at PAMA you receive a $50 gift certificate for the Pro-Shop. This gift certificate can be used for equipment, clothing, videos - you name it! There is no limit to the times that you can benefit from this program. Any questions please do not hesitate to ask in the pro-shop.

Meet the Artist - Ryan Rosenberg

by Mary Jo Colli

PAMA had the honor of hosting Ryan Rosenberg, PAMA friend and past student, for an opening and discussion of his amazing work. This event was relevant to all of us as artists and creators in the Martial Arts.

Ryan's work is "Environmentally Inspired" and is very transformative and gripping. His art work is presently on display in an Art Gallery across from the Pro-shop and two pieces by the front door. Also there are a limited number of prints for sale in the Pro-Shop including a tribute to Bruce Lee.

Upcoming Events

Join us for Princeton University's 2011 Communiversity on April 30, 2011 in downtown Princeton. PAMA staff and students, including the teens and children, will be performing an exciting demonstration showcasing the arts taught here at PAMA. Come and show your support!

Congratulations to Julian Liao for passing his Gold Sash test in the 6-8 year old Children's Program. Julian showed us his solid fundamentals in Jun Fan, as well as excellent focus mitt work at his early age.

March was a huge month for the 9-13 Year Old Program. Receiving their Yellow Sashes were: Thomas Morris, Anisa Lateef, Sandoval Wood, Arthur Shim, and Hadi Soufi. Trinity Pelina received her Orange Sash. Spencer Stengle and Isaiah Warris both received their Green Sashes. Great job and congratulations everyone!

Also, Rosalind Stengle excelled in her test and earned her Black Sash. The Black Sash test is a very difficult and comprehensive test consisting of form, technique, history, terminology, and conditioning. Rosalind did a great job and now joins only a handful of children who have ever attained that level.

- Jun Fan 4 and 8 Month Tests -

Rich Avalone and Craig Beardsley

Both Rich Avalone and Craig Beardsley passed their 4 Month Test in Jun Fan Gung Fu. Great job guys! We'll see you in 4 more months.

Dietary Supplement

- Pancreatic Enzyme Formula by Pure Encapsulations -

Pancreatic Enzyme Formulaby Pure Encapsulations

This formula is designed to aid the body's natural digestive process. It provides a highly concentrated form of enzymes naturally secreted by the pancreas which are essential to the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. The formula contains lipase, which digests fat; proteases, which digest protein; and amylases, which digest starch.

Sifu Recommends a Book

- Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior -

Shambhala: Sacred Pathof the Warriorby Chogyam Trungpa

In this practical guide to enlightened living, Chögyam Trungpa offers an inspiring vision for our time, based on the figure of the sacred warrior. In ancient times, the warrior learned to master the challenges of life, both on and off the battlefield. He acquired a sense of personal freedom and power—not through violence or aggression, but through gentleness, courage, and self-knowledge. The Japanese samurai, the warrior-kings of Tibet, the knights of medieval Europe, and the warriors of the Native American tribes are a few examples of this universal tradition of wisdom.

With this book the warrior's path is opened to contemporary men and women in search of self-mastery and greater fulfillment. Interpreting the warrior's journey in modern terms, Trungpa discusses such skills as synchronizing mind and body, overcoming habitual behaviors, relaxing within discipline, facing the world with openness and fearlessness, and finding the sacred dimension of everyday life. Above all, Trungpa shows that in discovering the basic goodness or human life, the warrior learns to radiate that goodness out into the world for the peace and sanity of others.

The Shambhala teachings—named for a legendary Himalayan kingdom where prosperity and happiness reign—thus point to the potential for enlightened conduct that exists within every human being. "The basic wisdom of Shambhala," Trungpa writes, "is that in this world, as it is, we can find a good and meaningful human life that will also serve others. That is our true richness."